Romantic Dinner for Two

Gougeres are little cheese puffs, usually served as an appetizer with wine or cocktails. They're so easy to make. Simply whip up an egg and cheese batter, pipe it onto a baking sheet, and bake the gougeres until they are puffed and golden. The little pastries fill the kitchen with a fantastic aroma and are perfect for a cozy night spent indoors.

Versions of this fruit, nut, and blue cheese salad are available in most upscale restaurants. Here, a small amount of bitter endive is combined with delicate field greens, and then garnished with sliced pears, chopped walnuts, and creamy blue cheese dressing.

This pureed soup is a wonderful starter course served with crusty hard rolls or as a light lunch accompanied by greens and a fruit salad. Make sure to get the freshest small oysters that can be found; they are the focal point of this dish and need to be of the highest possible quality.

This sophisticated dish is perfect for dinner guests. The sauce can be prepared ahead of time and the duck seared right before serving. A glass of Chablis enhances the meal.

Mousse is an undeniably sophisticated dessert. It's a perfect dessert to serve after a meal of any style, can be enjoyed a la carte with coffee during a romantic rendezvous, and is prepared ahead of time. What a way to end the day!